Victim Survivors' Advisory Council (23.3.2016)

The Liberal Nationals Coalition supports the appointment of Rosie Batty to lead the Victim Survivors' Advisory Council. Rosie is a formidable advocate and a great contributor for better public policy.

The community services sector and victims support groups have been calling for the allocation of this $6 million funding ever since it was announced in May 2015 in the last budget. These services have been underfunded for the past 12 months despite the increase in demand.

The last crime statistics report released last week showed that despite the focus by this government, family violence continues to grow as a problem across the state. For the year ending

December 2015 family violence incidents were up 9.2% from 68,135 to 74,385.

We also look forward to the release of the Royal Commission into Family Violence report next Tuesday.

At the same time, police numbers are down and stations including Pakenham, Burwood, Mooroolbark, Reservoir, Ashburton, Somerville, Greensborough, Epping and Craigieburn have had to reduce their opening hours because of a lack of resources from Daniel Andrews.

There is no point acting on legal recommendations or introducing new laws if we don't have more police to enforce them and a justice system that is strong enough to impose proper punishments.